Public Lands commissioner won't run in 2014

Longtime official makes history as first to serve as three constitutional officers

May 21, 2013

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Gov. Dennis Daugaard will make history by tapping a longtime state official to be the state’s next commissioner of school and public lands later this summer.

Vern Larson, Daugaard’s pick, previously served 24 years as state auditor and another eight as state treasurer before leaving office in 2011. When he replaces public lands commissioner Jarrod Johnson in August, Larson will be the first person ever to serve as three different South Dakota constitutional officers.

This experience is one reason why Daugaard tapped Larson to fill out the remaining 14 months in Johnson’s term. Just as important as what Larson has done, however, was what he won’t do: run for a full term in the job next year.

“There are already people that were expressing interest in the job,” said Larson, 64. “I don’t think it’s my place to run for the job in (a situation) like that.”

That means people in both parties who’ve been considering running for that office won’t be facing an incumbent in the 2014 elections, creating a more level electoral playing field.

State Rep. Jim Bolin, R-Canton, is so far the only individual to declare candidacy for School and Public Lands, though several other people are rumored to be considering a run.

Daugaard decided to appoint someone who wouldn’t run for another term soon after Johnson announced his resignation last month.

“There are people either running or planning to run for that seat,” said Tony Venhhuizen, a senior adviser to Daugaard. “The governor looked at this vacancy ... and decided it made the most sense to find somebody who can step in, run the office, do a solid job for the next 16 months or so, and keep the office going for whoever’s elected in 2014.”

Bolin, as a sitting legislator, was constitutionally barred from being appointed to replace Johnson.

He praised Daugaard’s decision to appoint a short-term commissioner.

“I do think it’s the right move to pick someone who’s not going to run in the future, who wouldn’t use it as a springboard,” Bolin said.

When Larson finishes his appointment at the end of 2014, he’ll have more than 33 years of service as a statewide elected official. He’s already the longest-serving constitutional officer in South Dakota history from his time as auditor and treasurer.

He said he won’t have any particular goals for his time as commissioner.

“I know there will be some learning time for it, but it’s a good challenge and a good opportunity and I look forward to it,” Larson said.

The commissioner of school and public lands manages more than 750,000 acres of state-owned land, the mineral rights for 5.2 million acres and a trust fund of more than $170 million. Revenue from those three areas gets directed to support education.

Johnson, who has served as commissioner for the past seven years, is resigning in August to spend more time with his family.